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m COPYRIGHT PUGILISTIC SEMES, No. 2. 



LIFE AND BATTLES 



TOM HYER, 




WITH POKTRAITS FROM LIFE OF HYER IN RINft AND PEIVATE COSTUME, 
JOHN MCCLEESTER AND YANKEE SULLIVAN. 



J AUTHOR OP LIFE AND BATTLES OF DAN DONNELLY, LIFE A^D BATTLES OF 

JOHN C. HEENAN, BOXING AND WRESTLING, DUMB-BELL AND INDIAN 

CLUB, HEALTH, STRENGTH AND MUSCLE, PRACTICAL 

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2 LIFE OF TOM HYEK. 

they belonged to riral orders, "were political enemies, and both too 
high strung to brook anything like a slur, or take an insult if it cost 
life itself. Country, on the night of the 8th of September, 1841, 
started from the Sawdust House, in Division street, kept by Sullivan, 
and made a bee line lor the Fountain House, in Park row, for the 
openly avowed purpose of cleaning out young Hyer, at that time but 
twen^-two years old. Country challenged Hyer to fight it out in the 
City Hall Park (around which place McClusky had previously fol- 
lowed hack-driving for a living). Hyer told Country' they could have 
a better show and not be molested by the authorities by selecting 
a spot a little less public than under the nose of the city oflficials and 
police, which was assented to, being too plucky a fellow to back 
down, although the **gang"were bitterly disappointed, if not pre- 
vented, from ' wheeling" the young American — a move which the 
champion was cool-headed and observant enough to foresee. 

Hyer proposed going up the Hudson Eiver next morning, and, un- 
like modern boxers, they met on the same boat, ostensibly to go to 
Albany, but in reality to get off at the first favorable spot and have 
their quarrel out. Cauldwell's Landing being reached, the graduates 
of 28 Park row left the boat, and, after climbing a steep hilL hit 
upon a piece of level ground. No ring was made with st&kes and 
ropes, but the men stepped into a scratch drawn on the ground by- 
Jake Somerindyke, the well-known turf-man and pool-seller. Half- 
minute time was agreed upon, but all blows to be counted fair. 



PROLONGED AND DESPERATE CONTEST 

BETWEEN 

TOM HYEE AND COUNTEY McCLUSKY, 

AT CALDWEIili'S LANDING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1841. 

HYEE TICTORIOUS IN IOIr., 2h. 55m. 



THE FIGHT. . 

Bound 1. Country McClusky stripped handsomely, weigliin';'1601bs., 
and in height stood 5ft.- lO^in. Tom Hyer did not show such good 
condition, was about three inches taller, and bad IGlbs. the advantage 
in weight. Hyer was seconded by Somerindvke and Eeynolds, with 
Hamilton for bottle-holder; McClusky .was seconded by SuUIvan a:id 
Ketch um, Nesbitt acting as his bottle-holder. Hyer played a w it- 
ing game, McClusky being the first to advance, and m.de a ief!;- 
handed pass, which was stopped by Hyer, who caught him on tie 
left cheek. Country then rallied sharply, a clinch followed, and he 
was thrown by Hyer amidst great cheering. 

2- Both men came up eagerly. Country led off left and right, and 
succeeded in planting a heavy blow over Hyer' s eye, which started 
the claret (first blood for CountrjO- ^ye^ responded with a desper- 
ate rally, at the close of which he was sent to the ground by a body- 
blow from Country, whose right hand was severely hurt by "the force 
with which he struck Hyer. 



THE LIFE AND BATTLES 

OF 

TOM HYER, 

ONCE CHAMPION OF AMERICA. 



Althougli America can boast of few *' native and to the manor bom* 
■who have adopted pugilism Irom choice or as a means of livelihood, 
we had in the person of Tom Hyer a representative perhaps never 
equaled. Hyer's father, furthermore, is believed to have been the 
**Fatherof the Ring" in this country, Jacob Hyer's battles with Tom 
Beasley in 1816 being the first authentic ring-fight or contest where 
rules were partially if not wholly observed. In this fight Tom's 
father stubbornly and courageously contended with a broken arm for 
several desperate rounds, the battle ending in a draw, showing 
that he, at least, had something more than what is called * 'Dutch 
courage" in his composition, for the old gentleman was of Dutch stocks 

Tom Hyer was a native of New York City, bom Jan. 1, 1819, stood 6ft. 
l^in., and in good tiim weighed 1801bs. Like bis father, Tom, too, was 
a butcher in his y unger days, both having worked in Centre Market 
for a man named Mock. He was bom with a love of fight, whether 
ofmau, dog or game fowl, which his good old mother tded her best 
to curb, and invariably blamed Tom's boy associates for leading him 
in this direction, when, to tell the truth, he was the head and front — 
not at all a boy to be lead, but a leader. His early tums-up were in 
defense of weaker comrades. Tom was not a bully, though — not a 
young fellow alwaj^s looking for fight. The market foljjs were very 
partiS to their fellow butcher boy, and in early life Hyer identified 
himself with the American party. 



HYER'S FIRST PITCHED BATTLE. 

The McCleester and Hyer fight arose out of a political quarrel. 
Country McClusky(as John McCleester was called) beirg a hot Anti* 
American party man of the Hibernian type, as well as a protege of 
Yankee Sullivan's. Some evil-disposed persons got up a story re- 
garding the courage of the young bloods as the surest way of bring* 
ing them together. Neither Tom nor Country started the thing, but / 




3 



I 



LITE OF TOM HTEE. 



3. Hyer stopped "with his left, made a rush, clinched, and threw 
McClnsky heavily. 

4. Hyer quick with his left npon Country's fifth rib; Cotintry 
answered on the breast, but caught a hard one on the jaw in return. 
A clinch and tussle ensued, during which they top-knotted severely. 
They closed and tussled again, and Country went down with Hyer 
upon him. 

5. Hyer hit out slightly, and received on the collar-bone in return. 
He answered this by a tremendous body-blow; a clinch followed, and 
Country went heaTily to the ground. 

6. Country led off right and left, and brought Hyer to the grotgid 
in a clean and handsome manner by a subsequent body-blow. 

7. Smart counter-hits right and left; Hyer caught a heavy body- 
blow; the men clinched, and Country went down heavily. 

8. Several exchanges, a rally, and terrific fighting all over the ring. 
Hyer clinched, and, after a short tussle, threw Country with a dash- 
ing fall. 

9. Country got in a heavy body-blow on the left side (his favorite 
point), which Hyer returned with tremendous force on the mouth, 
and received a severe jaw-breaker in return, immediately followed by 
another, somewhat lighter ; then followed brisk exchanges, the last 
of which, from Country, brought Hyer down clean. This round 
lasted nine minutes. 

10. Smart exchanges ; a break ; Hyer gathered cautiously, then 
let loose, and caught Country a terrible right-hander on the eye. 
Country then caught Hyer on the lip and forced him to the ground, 
hurting his right hand again with the blow, as in the second round. 

11. Up to this time Country had the advantage, but he now gave 
evident signs of distress. Hyer, freshening with his punishment, 
struck fiercely and with tremendous e^cutlon. The last blow fell 
upon Country's eye b^dly. Hyer then ran in, clinched, threw and 
fell heavily upon him. 

12. Wild exchanges, a rally, and Country went to the ground. 
Five rounds of hard fighting and alternate success, here followed, 

the last ending in a clinch, which resulted in Country falHng. 

18. On coming up this time. Country opened the ball, bnt was 
stopped left and right. Hyer returned, and Country caught two 
visitations on the mouth, returned by a body blow from Country in 
his favorite spot on the left, followed by a clinch and Country's over- 
throw. 

19. Sharp rally, counter-hits ending in mutual blows, which 
brought both to the ground at the same time. 

20. Hyer led off, but Country got away; slight counter; Country 
retreated, but rallied and got in a heavy body-blow; Hyer followed, 
threatening mischief. Country rallied again, reeled, slipped, and felL 

21. Heavy exchanges, a clinch, a break, hard hitting; another 
clinch, and Country down. 

22. Desperate fighting, and both down. 

The five ensuing rounds consisted of rapid exchanges of body- 
blows, and each round ended >sith a throw, three to Country and 
two to Hyer. 

28. Country had bellows to mend, but Hyer's wind seemed to 
freshen. He tried to put in his left, but Country got away. Country 
then advanced, but made round hies, struck short, and was sent to 
grass by an ugly collai-bone blow from Hyer. — 




TOM HTEE. 
From a daguerreotype taken 1849. 



LIFE OF TOM HYEE. 5 

29. Both came np manfully. Country led of this time, causing a 
brisk rally, which brought Hyer to the ground. 

30. Country's friends, cheered by this, encouraged their man with 
'' YouVe got him now, Country; give him one of those old Chatham- 
equare fellows.'' "Yes, he has!" returned Hyer ironically, accom- 
panying the remark by a tremendous visitation on Country's nose, 
which appeared to have hterally split in two. The blow struck 
Country clean down. 

31. Country showed his distress. The fight was now plainly Ilyer's, 
and 20 to 5 vv'as offered on him and taken two or three times. Hyer 
led off, a rally followed, ending in a clinch, and Countiy down again. 

32. Terrible right-hand blow on Uyer's nbs, which were now dread- 
fully swollen from Country's repeated hitting; a clinch, hit again, 
and Hyer down. 

33. A rally, clinch, and McClusky thrown. 

34. Close fighting, hard hitting, and McClusky down by a neck- 
blow. 

35. A rally, close hitting, and McClusky thrown, Hyer standing firm. 
ii^ight rounds followed, mainly in favor of Hyer, in which he waa 

down three times. 

44. Heavy exchanges. Hyer gathered for a charge, let fly with 
tremendous force, and split Country's head completely open. This 
visitation was followed by another of the same sort, and Country 
was struck down. 

45. Counter-hits, a rally, and both down. 

46. Hyer led off on Country's ribs; Country returned with a round 
blow in the old spot on Hyer's left side. 

47. Both hit, a rally, a clinch, and McClusky thrown. 

48. Short, some hitting, a close, and both down. 

49. A desperate rally, a heavy blow on Hyer's ribs, a rally, and 
both down. 

50. Hard hitting. A rally, and Hyer down 

51. A rally, clinch, and McClusky down. 

52. Sharp fighting, Hyer down. 

53. Wild fighting, a clinch, both down. 

54. Hard fighting, a clinch, a break, counter-hits, Hyer down. 

55. A short rally, McClusky down. . 

The next six rounds consisted of good exchanges of body-blows, 
those by Country in his old spot. In the 62d round Country caught 
a smacking cut on the cheek, which brought him to the ground. 
Yar \ ing success followed until 

69. Country led off, but received in return on the ear ; a close fol- 
lowed, t ey broke, Hyer made a pass with his right, was thrown offi 
and i-eceived a blow on the old place on the left side, which told so 
much as to stait the blood through the fiesh. 

70. A rally, and Hyer dropped. 

71. Light exchanges and Hyer down. 

72. Hyer struck down, and Country floored by the recoil. 

73. Both fatigued. Country suffering very much. Hyer advanced, 
and a mutual blow brought both to the ground. ^Vhile they lay thus, 
Hyer, with a smile and good-natured remark of 'Tut it there, old 
feUow; you are a good man, but ycu can never hck me," heartily 
shook hands with his antagonist. 

74. A rally, Hyer to work right and left, Country down. 

75. Country down on his knees, up again, and knocked down* ^ 



LIFE OF TOM HYEE. 

76. Hyer liit over Conntiys shoulder with his left, was caught, 
and struck down. 

Then followed six rounds, manifestly in favor of Hyer, whose 
blows went heavily in, while Country, from his exhausted stiite, gave 
shoves instead of blows. 

83. Country tried with his left and right, but got nothing in. 
Hyer advanced, struck out, and carried him down with a head-blow. 

Si. Wild exchanges, v/ith no eifect, Country down. 

85. A rally; short, hard hits, Hyer down. 

86. Hyer led off, hitting Country on the mouth and nose with his 
right, and repeatmg it on the ear with his left. Country down. 

87. A dollar to a dime on Hyer. But Country's thorough game 
made a good show, and managed to carry Hyer down at the end of a 
brisk rally. 

89. Poor Country came up gasping; the day was against him, and 
he was striking against fate. Country down. 

90. Country showed groggy, but game. Hyer planted some heavy 
blows in his mug, and Country' was down again. 

91. Slight counter-hits, a rally, and Hyer was down with a light 
body-blow. 

92. A short recovery. Sharp hits right and left, but ending with 
Country down flying. 

93. Country was evidently in a helpless state, and able only to 
receive punishment. To save further unnecessary suffering, his 
seconds determined to draw him; but the indomitable John McClees- 
terbeg[;ed in the most earnest manner to be allowed one more round. 

94. Country staggered up, made a- pass with his left, was caught, and 
went dowfi flying. Again his secounds would have drawn him, but 
he begged as before, and was allowed the privilege once more. 

95. Wild hitting. Country, dreadMly jobbed, was sent down by a 
head-blow. 

96 to 101. These last six rounds were terrific examples of desperate 
fighting, and only continued by the urgent pleadings of Country 
against the better judgment of his seconds. At the lOOtb round, 
Hyer, vexed with Country's obstinacy, exclaimed: **0h, let him come 
in, let him come in; I'll kill him this tirbe." Although this sort of 
talk is not according to the rules, there was no brag in the assertion, 
for Hyer then could hit Country w^herever or whenever he pleased. 
Yankee Sullivan, tiierefore, insiste 1 upon Country giving up the fight 
after Hyer had given his opponent the coup de grace in the way of a 
severe collar-bone blow. These 101 rounds occupied 175 minutes. 
Hyer seemed **good" for another hour or two. Although not fought 
strictly according to modern rules, this certainly was a well-contested 
battle, highly honorable to the pugilistic fame of both principals. 
They were unprepared by training, of course fought at catch-weights, 
and stood up under a burning sun. 



X 



The defeat of Sullivan's right bower was a sore blow to the so-called 
Yankee, but he was discreet enough to smother his wrath and con- 
trol his temper until he had more confidence and more experience. 
Succeeds upon success attended the Hibernian champion, with no re- 
verses, and he began to look forwarl to the proud day to him, should 
he take down the champion of a country which was giving him and 
thousands of his countrymen such fine livinij and easy births. This, 



I 



LIFE OF TOM HYER. 7 

to a thinking person, seemed a strange anomaly, but Jim Sullivan 
was not much ot a thinker, and it made little difference to him, ap- 
parently, whether he was fighting in Ireland, Australia, England or 
America. He belonged to a race of '*stickers," who show up wher- 
ever the green banner is unfurled, and no one knew this better than 
Sullivan in his checkered career, in the places above named. 



HYEE'S TURN-UP WITH SULLIVAN. 

One night in April, 1848, with more liquor in his head than com 
mon sense, Sullivan thought he'd tackle the *'big American loafer," as 
he styled Hyer, for he was literally spoiling for a fight. He accord- 
ingly sought for Hyer, for in those days the sports were easier to be 
found on such occasions than the present. To say that Sullivan 
found Hyer would be mild language. He got about the worst beating 
he ever got outside the ring ia a shorter space of time than it takes 
to v'-He about it. This turn-up took place at a saloon on the corner 
of Park place and Broadway. Stung to the quick, still vindictivre 
and full ot passion, which he seemed unable to control, Sallivan 
published the following card in The JSf. Y. Herald of June 1 ; 

SULLIVAN'S CAKD. 

About six weeks since, while in the saloon on the comer of Park 
place and Broadway, in a condition rendering me unable to defend 
myself against any attack, I wa§ assailed in a most cowardly manner 
by a man of the name of Hyer. On the strength of it accounts of the 
occurrence appeared in a number of the newspapers, false in every 
particular, and which must have been inserted by Hyer himself or 
his friends. If I had been worsted in a fair fight, and by a person 
who knew any thirg at all about fighting, or had the courage to fight 
like a man, I should have taken no notice of it; but I consider it 
due to my friends to in orm them in this way of the real character 
of the occurrence. I am no '/Irish braggart" or "bully," although I 
am an Irishman, and I believe I can show myself worthy of my 
country whenever I am required. If there are any who think they 
can make me * 'cry enough, like a whipped child," if 9 Chatham 
street is not too far out of the way, I will be happy to have them 
make the call and make the experiment. As for Hyer, I can **flax 
him out" without any exertion. ** James Suulivan." 

HYEE'S SIGNIFICANT REPLY. % 

Yesterday morning 'it was falsely stated in one of the advertise- 
ments of The N. Y. Herald, signed James Sullivan, that I had as- 
sailed him in an unjustifiable manner, and at a disadvantage, about 
six weeks ago, in a saloon at the corner of Park place and Broadway. 
I wish merely to state that this fellov/ Sallivan assaulted me, and 
that I chafetised him for it, as I can and shall do again on similar 
provocation to him or anyone else who improperly assaults me. I 
have only to add that Mr. Sulhvan will find m3 always much readier 
to meet him anywhere than in the newspapers— anywhere, however, 
I am his master. ''Tho3has Htee." 



8 LITE OF TOM H¥ER. 

These doemmeiiti created quite a flutter, but two months passed 
by ere thingf came to a focus. Mark, or "Toppy McGuire"as he is 
famiharly called, haying had a falling out with Sullivan over money 
matters, bantered Frank Stewart by offering to bet him $20thatSuU 
livan would not make a match with Hyer, The bet \ras taken by 
Stewart, and the money put up in the bands of Bill Miner. A meet« . 
ing was arranged to take place at 28 Park row on August 7, to make 
the match and the deposit up to $100 a side. Tom was then tending 
bar for Bradford Jones, next door to the Bowery Theatre. Between 
the time of making this bet and the meeting to sign articles, Sulliyan 
went around to Hyer's headquarters and told him he was informed 
that he (Hyer) had been carrying $500 in his clothes to fight the 
winner of the Bob Caunt and Sullivan battle. A httle jawing match 
took place, Hyer not denying the charge, and the upshot was they 
agreed to go on with the match. 

At the meeting on Aug. 7 Hyer refused to fight for less than 
$5,000 a side, which somewhat staggered the backers of the other 
side; but they were not to be bluffed this time, as on a previous occa- 
sion they had to take water when Hyer fixed his figures at but 
$3,000 a side. The match was therefore arranged for six months 
from date, it being stipulated that neither should go down without 
being knocked down or thrown. This clause was McGuire's **put,** 
knowing Sullivan's tumble-down tactics, and, instead of objecting, 
he said he would fight Hyer anyhow or any place, so long as he 
could get a fight out of him, so conceited was he of his ability to 
whip Hyer. 

After each of the men had given sparring exhibitions — Hyer at 
Major's, comer of Grand and Elizabeth streets, in November (wind- 
ing up with George Thompson), and ** Yankee" at the Shakespeare, 
William and Duane streets, in September (with George Thompson, 
Hyer's trainer, in the wind up with Sullivan)— they went into active 
training. Tom selected Dodge's Hotel, McComb's Dam, for his quar- 
ters, and engaged the services of George Thompson and Joe Winrow, 
while "Yankee " Sullivan located at a road-house on Long Island, with 
Billy Wilson for his trainer, assisted by Tom O'Donnell. The great 
rivals gave a good account of themselves in their abstemious and 
thorough change of life, doing an amount of exercise daily which 
would astonish modern athletes, and the condition in which they ap- 
peared on the memorable day was good proof that their heart and 
soul was in the work. Their final public appearances previous to the 
fight were Hyer's sparring with Geo. Thompson on Jan. 10 at Major's 
Booms, and Sullivan at the same hall on Dec. 21, when he wound- 
up with Country McClusky. 

INCIDENTS EN ROUTE TO THE BATTLE GROUND. 

The location intended for the arena was Pool's Island, as its juris- 
diction was disputed, or divided by the State of Maryland and 
the Government of the United States (Sullivan having the choice of 
ground) ; but the steamboats chartered were paralyzed by the authori- 
ties with writs against their captains, and one of them, the Boston, 
was hired by the State for the pursuit. While things were in this 
, condition Hyer slipped away from his training grouod and went to 
Carroll's Island, next to Pool's, Sullivan having arrived at Carroll's 
Island two days previous, and crossed to Pool's before Hyer's arrivaL 



^ 




^OSS McCai^EESTER IN FIGHTING ATnTTOE. 



12 LIFE OF TOM HYEK 

effectual atttempts of all Baltimore and Maryland to interfere witk 
the boys of New York. 

It was now settled that Hyer*s boat should take the lead, and all 
hands, being rather wolfish by their numerous disappointments, agreed 
to drop upon the first convenient spot, whether it was in Maryland, Del- 
aware, or Virginia. At 1 ^ o'clock, p. m. , Feb. 7, they espied four or five 
small oyster smacks, and, judging it to be r« proper place, the crowd, 
to the number of some two hundred, debarked. 

Sullivan was among the first who felt terra nrma, and set out to 
reach the first available house on foot. Hyer, more prudent, 
preferred to avoid the trudging through the snow, and laid him- 
self down in the bottom ot a cart stufifed half full of straw, and suf- 
fered himself to be driven easily to the same placcj. Each took up 
his quarters in large rooms on either side of the main hall. 

The principals, both in good spirits, took their seats by the cheer- 
ful fires, while their satellites, in reverential silence, grouped them- 
selves around to listen to the least expression which might fall from, 
those who were to be the heroes of the day. 

GETTING EEADY FOR THE FIGHT. 

The spot selected by Sullivan's friends was between the house andt. 
the farm. The stakes were then procured from pine billets found iix 
the neighborhood, and for want of better gear the top-galiant halyards 
of the *' Whig " were taken for the ropes. At ten minutes past four- 
all was ready. 

Sullivan emerged from the house, preceded by one of his seconds, 
who carried a pair of hot bricks for his feet while waiting for the 
signal to begin. As he approached the ring his appearance was hail- 
ed with cheers, and when he threw in his cap, which was a velvet 
one of a rich dark green, the most enthusiastic shouts were heard 
from his friends. He took his seat upon a chair, and with his feet 
upon the bricks waited for the entrance of his foe. In two or three 
minutes more Hyer came forth, borne on the brawny shoulders of 
his friend Dutch Charley, and as he neared the ropes he shied his 
cast*er, a foggy-looking piece of felt, into the arena before him. An- 
other burst of clamor then rent the sky, and amid increased enthu- 
siasm each man tied his colors to the stake. That of Hyer's was the 
spangled ensign of his country, while Sullivan's was a, green fogle 
with aval spots of white. Both men sat dovTU on their seconds* 
knees, and confronted each other while the final preliminaries were 
arranged. 

While thus awaiting the summons to tlie ordeal, the seconds, Joe 
Winrow and John Ling, the first for Hyer and the latter for Sullivan, 
came forward and made the toss lor choice of ground. This was 
won for Sullivan, who reserved the corner where he already sit, giv- 
ing to his antagonist the bright setting sun directly in his eyes. 
The seconds took their comers, Tom Burns taking the place of the 
captured George Thompson, and Country McCieester supplying the 
absence of Tom O'Donnell. Stephen Wilson acted as SullivSn's 
bottle-holder, Larry Hyer, the brother of the lofty champion, being 
Tom's bottle-holder. Stephen Van Ostrand was chosen referee; H. 
J. Coulton was Sullivan's umpire; J. J. Way umpire for Hyer; Mike 
Walsh of The Subterranean and Joe Elliott of The Herald reporting: 
the contest At twenty minutes past four Winrow asked the ques- 



LIFIC OF TOM HYER. J^ 

tionl * 'Are ycu ready?". * Yes,'* said Sullivan, rising and beginning; 
to 3trip off his outer clothes, followed by Hyer. In less than a min- 
ute they stood stripped to the waist, and attired in their neat fight- 
ing clothes. 

We would here state that, being within a few minutes of sundown^ 
some ol Sullivan 6 sympathizers had tried to dissuade him from fighting, 
as it was likely to get dark before the fight could be finished. Sulli- 
van wouldn't listen to this, but said that he could lick Hyer inside of 
15 minutes. It is said that only $35 was bet on the ground, and that 
at evens. Each seemed equally ^s finely developed in every muscle as 
their capacity could reach, and the bounding confidence sparkled 
fiercely in their eyes. SuUivan^s round, compact chest, formidable 
head, contracted brows, fierce, glaring eyes and clean-turned limbs, 
looked the very incarnation of the spirit of an evil genius; while 
Hyer, with his broad shoulders and long, muscular limbs, seemed as 
if he could trample him out of life at wiU. He stood three inchea 
over SuUivaUj and exceeded him in weight about thirty pounds. 



$10,000 CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE-HGHT 

BETWEEN 

TOM HYEE AND YANKEE SULLIVAN, 

AT ROCK POINT, MARYLAND, FEBRUARY 1, 1849^ 

HYEK THE WINNER IN 16k., 17m. 18s. 



THE FIGHT- 

According to rule, they were obliged to shake hands before they 
began ; but they perlormed this ceremony warily, and at extreme. 
farm's length. It was the business of the seconds next to do the 
(same ; but before they could reach the scratch to go through the idle 
. ceremony the eager crowd shouted them back, and they gave way ai 
I once to the gladiatorial show. 

I Round 1. Sullivan, with his arms well up and every muscle swell- 
ing with its preparation, darted towards Hyer, who stood resolutely 
awaiting for him with his body well forward and in formidaljle readi- 
(ness, and, coming up to him with a sort of run, let fly with his left at 

fyer's head, but did not get it in. He then goc away from a short 
tempt of Hyer to counter with his lett ; but Hyer followed the effort 
ith an instant discharge of his right in SulUvan's forehead, which 
\ made a long abrasion of the scalp, but which, notwithstanding the 
' lower of the blow, showed neither blood nor discoloration at the 
ime. Gathering himself for a return, Sullivan then rushed in at the 
idy, and after two or three ineffective exchanges clinched his antag- 
•nist with the underhold and struggled lor the throw. This was the 
reat poiu t on which was to depend the re^iult cf the fight. Sullivan re- 
ied mainly for success upon his superior wrestling, and it was calculat- 
led by his triends and backeis that a few of his favorite cross-buttockfr 



14 LIFE OF TOM HTER 

-wotild break his young antagonist in his lithe and graceful waist, and I 
^ot only render him hm} sey with weakness, but Btun him with the 
falls. The most terrible anxiety, therefore, existed as to the result of / 
this endeavor. In its fierce agitations the spectators, who stood in ar / 
outer ring of plank laid over the snow some feet distance from tho* , 
Topes of the arena, involuntarily rushed forward and sw^irmed against 1 
the ropes. Two or three times did Sullivan knot his muscles with an j 
almost superhuman efiart, but all served only to postpone his over- | 
throw; lor, when he had spett h s power by these terrible impulsions, l 
his iron adversary wrenched him to the ground with the upper-hold, 
and fell heavily prone upon his body. This decided the largest part ( 
of the outside beating in favor of the upper man, and shouts of the \ 
XQcst terrific joy went up for Hyer. The depression of Sullivan's ! 
friends was equal in degree, and they began to get an inkhng that j 
.they had underrated their opponent. [ 

2. As soon as time was called, both men hurried to the scratch, ; 
Hyer working to the upper slope of the ring, where stood the judges 
and the referee, and thus slanting the sun between his body and that 
of his opponent, instead oi taking its beams directly in his eyes. As 
Sullivan came up this time, the Llood from the scratch upon his fore-i 
head made crimson conle^.-ion of its severity, and el.ited the friend^ 
of the tall one with shrieks of *' First blood for Hyer !" Sudivan at 
this hosanna rushed desperately in, and, meeting Hyer where he, 
paused to receive his charge, deiivored a heavy blow with his right oni 
Hyer's left eye, taking a counter on his opposing ogle in return. SuU 
livan kept close up, and both kept strikmg with the rapidity of two 
cocks as they fly together, rendering it almost impossible to see wherej 
or how the hits were- discha g d. It was evident, however, that the ' 
Tally had not been attended with serious effect to either eide. A feint | 
from Sullivan and li dodge from Hyer intervened, when another rally ( 
followed, Suilivan taking in return for a coupla of body-blows twoj 
severe discharges on the left eye by a sort of half upper-cut with the 
right hand, which brought t'^d blood again. Suilivan then rushed i^ 
.and clinched; he caught the underhold again, but his efforts were] 
naught, and he was twisted t ) tiie ground as if he had been a man of 
^ras«, his huge atitagomst failing upon him, as betore, with his entire' 
weight. Shouts for Hyer. J 

3. Tije hopes oi Sullivan's friends were now fading fas', and indeed] 
lie seemed impressed himself with the idea that he was overmatchedJ 
He looked at his opponent with a sort of wild astonishment as h^ 
€ame up, but with a dtisperate courage, as if conscious nothing bui^ 
the most reckless policy coul I help him; he rushed up to the scratchj 
and, gathering cautiously, alter a wicked pass he softened his appar4 
ent intentions with a feint, bat, finding Hyer would not be dirawn 
out, he let fly right and lelo, and, catching Hyer with the latter blow, 
upon the body (som^ say tlio neck), staggered him backwards 8 
<Jouple of steps and broug*.t nim to a sitting position on the ground 
The shouts new vv^ent up on Sullivan's side, and amidst the uproarious 
^lee he went smiling to his corner. , 

4. Both came up this time with the utmost alacrity, Sullivai 
encouraged by his success, and Hyer showing the utmost eagernes 
to get even. Sullivan hurried up and led off, without getting in, an< 
Hyer, in his excitement, not only returned hhort, but open-handed 
This excited the attention of the former's backer, who, while on thi 
^oint of crying out: **Now you've got him, Jim," discovered tha 




friiNKEE SULLIVAN IN FIGHTING ATTITUDE 



16 



LIFE OF TOM HYER. 



I 



Sullivan was open-handed too. The warning, however, bronght both 
of them to their Benaes and made them close their fists. Hyer then 
hit out left and right, executing with the latter on the old spot and 
taking a body-blow in return. Sullivan then ran in an clinched, but 
his hold did him no good, for he was thrown in the same manner as 
before, Hyer falling on him and lying across him for several seconds, 
until his henchmen could come slowly and take him off. Expres- 
sions of dissatislaction heie broke out from Sullivan's friends, and 
John Coulton, the umpire of that side, claimed **Foul," on the score 
that the upper man was not sooner removed. The question was put 
to Van Nostrand, the referee, who, however, decided **Fair." 

5. Sullivan, who had suffered considerable in the last round by his 
eagerness to improve the advantage he had gained in the third, led off 
with the same reckless spirit and with the same desperate aim. He 
struck wildly right and left at the head, but, getting stopped, next 
tried the body. His incautiousness, however, received a heavy punish- 
ment in the shape of a tremendous right-hand paixhan on the left 
eye, which hit him down upon his hand, with one knee touching the 
ground. Hyer rushed forward to hit again, but, checking himself, he 
Taised his hands as if afraid of being tempted to a foul blow, and, 
moving backwards, turned towards his corner. At this moment 
Sullivan's umpire, supposing the round at an end, dropped his eye to 
his watch and started his time. It happened, however, that, as Hyer 
had turned away, Sullivan, apparently wild, had risen and recom 
menced the round, whereupon Hyer turned upon him and pressed 
him by main strength to the ground. While this supplementary 
struggle was going on, the umpire raised his eyes, and, supposing Hyer 
had turned to attack Sullivan after the round had finished, as he hadi^ 
marked it, called out *'Eoul." The character of the renewal was exJ 
plained to him, however, whereupon he withdrew his complaint 

6. Sullivan now began to show his punishment and fatigue in a slighi 
nervousness of his legs; but still he ran boldly up for desperate fight 
ing, as game as a pebble, and as resolute as if the battle was still 
within his reach. Several rapid exchanges were then made, SuUivan 
catching it on the right eyebrow in a counter to a body hit. Hyex 
then fought Sullivan to the ropes, and bent him backwards ovei 
them. Some sharp fibbing took place, which, proving rather ur 
pleasant for Hyer, he seized Sullivan and threw him and fell on hir, 
with his arm across his neck. He remained in this position for sor 
time, without interference by his seconds, who saw that it was i\ 
his advantage, whereupon a claim of **rour* was made by Sullivan*! 
judge. The referee, however, decided "Fair." It was likewis- 
claimed that in rising Hyer had pressed improperly on Sullivan'i 
neck, but the claim was not made out. 

. 7. Sullivan, breathing short and exhibiting much fatigue, came u] 
the same as ever, and Hyer, as befoie, stood on the slope to forbii 
his passage one inch upon his ground. The little man, as he ap 
proached his huge antagonist, seemed as if dispirited by the decision Oj 
the referee, while he was nearly spent with the severe exertions that hi 
had made to hit and get away. But he hit with no effect, while th< 
blows of his antagonist made the blood flow profusely down his f c4 
Although they had really less effect upon the unfortunate left ey^ 
than it seemed. Several exchangeg were made, all against Sullivan] 
when he rushed in again at his wrestling hold, and found tb 
^ground, as he had done in these close encounters every time before. 



LIFE OF TOM HYEK, 17 

A^ 8. The hit in the eye which Hyerreceiyed in the second I'Otind now 

^owed its colors, and puffed up over the surrounding flesh. Sulli- 

fn's left eye was no better; indeed, worse, and bore many testimo- 

- lals in crimson crevices of flyer's black and long kDUckles. Sullivaa 

rain made play from the jump, but got nothing in. As he hit out- 

f the body, Hyer struck short with the left, as was his custom every 

/me when he meditated mischief with his right hand, and then let 

o with his dexter mawley, driving the blood out from the lelt eye in 

ory spray, but still not knocking his staunch opponent down. Sul- 

van, finding that ha could not parry off these terrific hits, ran in. 

! gain, but was throw j as before, Hyer falling on him, and lying with 

j is breast across Sullivan's chest, neck and face. Hyer's seconds 

1 rere again slow in coming up to take him off, upon which another 

jppeal of ''Foul" was made to the referee, who, however, decided 

I f Fair," though he admitted he could not see at all times, in conse- 

uence of the crowd getting between him and the men, and jostling^ 

irai about since the first round. 

9. "Time" came round quick at this '*call," as much of the 
hirty seconds were consumed while the men w-ere 0:1 the ground. 
Joth men came up bloody to the scratch, Sullivan be'ng literally 
slotted with gore, while the clear crimson smoke:! on H^^er's chest 
[rom a lance-wound which had been made under his right eye to pre- 
lent it from closinpj out his sight. He was also dabbled with the 
■drains which ran from Sullivan, and which painted his arms and 
'A)osom every time they closed. Suihvan walked up to the scratch 
jfhis time with a freshened vigor, and showed the same determination 
Ps when he commenced the battle. Hyer, who was cool and ap- 
parently unfatigued, at once saw the real condition of his man, and, 
|oncluding that it was now time to change his tactic % led off for the 
\rst time. The Yankee seemed better capable of resisting this mode of 
jarfare than making a successful aggression, and dodged two wicked- 
jLoking blows, but in 'endeavoring to return with a rush he brought 
,',[yer to his usual defensive position. He then took Sulhvan's blows 
'ijithout wincing or endeavoring to stop them, being satisfied to take 
ttvantage of the right-hand counter, which from the first had told 
" cjith such terrible effect. Suihvan rushed in again to save himself" 
''^m punishment, and was thrown, with Hyer on him. 
,(ilO. Sullivan came up with his hands open and showing distress. 
ii^le lad off with ineffectual passes, which only served to provoke 
\ ijinishment, and give him the return of a wicked right-handed hit in 
' i je old place, which staggered him to the ground. 
'111. Hyer, strong on his pins, respirii g regularly and evidently irt 
riossession of all his strength. He waited for Sullivan as before, and, 
^biough Y-ankee came up rather slower than before, Hyer was content 
10 await his approach, rather than alter a method by which he was 
jettiDg on so well. On meeting at the scratch a few rapid hits were 
Qade, which ended in a clinch and a wrestle to the ground, Hyer 
ippermost, but with Sullivan's leg locked over his until he was- 
aken off. 

12. This time both men came up quick, and Sullivan led off, hitting 
nidly and madly right and leit, while his cool antagonist, watching 
lis chance, took a short hit for the privilege of countering on the old 
pot. Sullivan, then rallying his energies, tried the Secor dodge, and 
ndeavored to slip under Hyer's right arm to hit him from behind^ 



18 



LIFE OF TOM HTER. 



but he was stopped and canght by Hyer with the left on the top ( 
the head with a round blow, which discharged him to the ground. 1 

13. Up to this time all the fighting was done m Sullivan's comJ 
making Hyer's boast good that he should not have an inch more th| 
Iwelve feet to do his fighting in. This round commenced by sha 
exchanges right and left, as if they had come together for the fii 
time. At length Hyer, finding it was all his own way, rallied SuU 
Tan sharply, and, dn\dng him to the ropes, backed him over ther 
and entered into a smart exchange of fibbing. Hyer caught hold 
the ropes while thus engaged, when a man from Boston, by the nan 
of Hennessy, seized his thumb, and bent it backwards from its ho] J 
whereupon Hyer let go, and, clinching Sullivan, wrenched him to tH 
-ground and fell upon him. 

14 Sullivan giving out fast; Hyer, perceiving it, entered brisk j 
on the offensive, fought him to the ropes, and fibbed him on them j 
before. After an exchange of this kind of work, Hyer jerked hii 
from the ropes, and, clinching, wrestled him to the ground and fej 
upon him. 

15. Sullivan shaky on his pins, and Hyer apparently as strong 
ever. As Sullivan came up and attempted to hit out, he slippe^ 
Hyer rallied him to the ropes, hitting him right and left in th 
persuit, and bending him again over the ropes. During this stnigg^ 
he caught his arm, and, bending it backward in its socket, gave it 
wrench that must have caused the most agonizing pain; he the^ 
clinched and threw him to the ground and fell upon him as before. 

16. "When time was called, Sullivan was slow in rising from hi| 
second's knee, and it was evident that his fighting star had set, fcr 
the day at least. He walked in a limsey mariner to'vards the scorl 
but when he put up his left arm the tremor wJiich shook it shower 
that it was distressed by pain. Hyer did not wait for him, but, ad 
Tancing beyond the score, let fly both right, and left in Sullivanl 
lace, who, though he i3ould not return it, took it without wincing i| 
the least. Hyer then rushed him to the ropes again, and after i 
short struggle there, threw him and fell heavily upon him, in whicj 
position Sullivan locked his leg over him again, as if he would hoj 
him in his place. When he was taken off, Sullivan was found to " 
entirely exhausted, and when lifted up reeled half round and staJ 
gered backward towards the ropes. The fight was done. He coul 
not, come m again, and Country McClusky took him from the rii[ 
^thout waiting for time to be called. Hyer's second, Joe WiDro 
as soon as this took plac3, advanced to take Sullivan's colors as thd 
trophy, but being interfered with and denied by Johnny Lyng, Hy^ 
xushed forward himself, and, seizing Lyng by the arm, enabled 
friend to take the prize. ITie shouts then went up for the victoij 
and the party commenced unthreading the stakes of their halyard 
for the voyage back. Thus ended a contest which had, up to tha 
time, excited more interest than any other pugilistic encounter tha 
ever took place in this coufitr}^; but which, though it engaged thod 
^ands of minds for a period of six long months, was done up whe[ 
once begun in seventeen minutes and eighteen seconds. 

BEMAEKS. 

The foregoing contest maybe aptly termed a ** hurricane fightj 
Trom the commencement to the close it was bitter, unremitting and c" 



LIFE or Toar hyer. 19 

termined. Oa the part of Sullivan it consisted of a series of quick and 
almost superhuman efforts to out-fight and stun bis antagonist from th e 
start; while Hyer, who seemed to be thoroughly aware of his intent, 
contented himself with standing at the scratch and forbidding any 
entrance to his side by the tremendous counter-hits which he de- 
livered in return for Sullivan's rapid visitations. He did rot attempt 
fo make parrying a leading feature of his policy,, but for the greater 
portion of the tmie cheei fully met Sullivan's blows for the chance of 
<;ountering back. He had eyidently settled upon this as his policy 
for the fight, judging correctly that, if hit and hit was to be the order 
of the day, the weakest structure must go to pieces in the struggle. 
In addition to this, Hyer showed excellent skill in fighting, and his 
method of hitting short with his left, as a preliminary to the paixhan 
discharge of the right, in the style of a half upper-cut, could not 
perhaps have been excelled in the use he made of it by the best 
titters who have ever shown themselves in the prize-ring. He was 
•cool and self-possessed, with the exception of a moment or two at 
ihe opening of the fourth round, when he seemed either shaken by 
his fall or stung from his control by the cheers which greeted Sulli- 
van for the handsome blow. Sullivan, on the other hand, fought wild 
snd overeager. He did not display that shrewdness and care which 
lias characterized all his previous fisfhts, but seemed to consider him- 
iself in the ring, not so much to decide some three hundred thousand 
'ollars, as to revenge upon Hyer, in the bitterest and most sudden 
lanner. the personal hatred that stood between them. He hurried 
the scratch at every round, and commenced leading off right and 
eft, and, when obliged to take it more severely than he bargained 
■or, invariably rushed in for a clinch, notwithstanding each succeed- 
ng round proved more conclusively than those which had gone be- 
fore he could not throw his man, and that these reverses brough t 
upon him the severest punishment of all. He was twisted to the 
ground invariably by the superior strength of nia antagonist, and 
what, in view of this, was surprising to his friends, he would resist 
strongly every time, instead of sUpping down as easily as possible to 
£ave his strength. There never was, perhaps, a battle in which there 
was so much fighting in so short a space of time; none, certainly, in 
which more resolute punishment was given and taken without flinch- 
ing on either side. The history of the fight consists in the fact that 
iillivan was overmatched; and, in the further fact, that Hyer showed 
self capable of matching any man in the world. 



CAKEEK OF YANKEE SULLIVAN. 

Bom at Bandon, near Cork, Ireland, April 12, 1813. 
Height, 5ft. lO^in. ; weight, 158ib. 
Beat Tom Brady, 17r., 30m., Ireland. 
Beat Steward, 2h. 8m., Australia. 
Beat Dick Trainor, 73r., lb. 4:5m., Australia. 
Beat Johnny White, purse, 13r., 40m., Australia. 
Beat George Sharpless, alias Bumbles, 27r., Ih. 5m., Austrcdia. 
Beat Hammer Lane, £100, 19r., 34m., Ciookham Common, Eng- 
md, Feb. 2, 1841. 

Beat Vince Hammond, $200, 8r., 10m., Sept. 2, 1841. 
Beat Tom Secor, 67r., Jan. 24, 1842. 



LIFE OF TOM HYER. 



Beat BiUy BeU, 24r., 38m., Aug. 29, 1842. 
Beat Bob Caunt, 7r., 12m., May 11, 1847. 
Beaten by Tom Hyer. 

Beaten by John Morrissey, for particulars of which see **Life and 
Battles of John Morrissey. " 

Found dead in a cell, San Francisco, CaL, May 31, 1856. 

AJRREST AND ENTHUSIASM IN PHILADELPHIA^ 

Owing to Sullivan being taken temporarily to an hospital in Balti- 
more, as the triumphal American passed through Philadelphia en 
route for his native city, he was arrested, to await the result of SulU- 
van's injuries, but subsequently released on its being made known 
that his opponent's condition was not serious. So great was the ex- 
citement on Chestnut street around Sam Miller's hotel, where he 
made a temporary sojourn, and was carried in on the shoulders of 
some of the people, that all vehicles had to pass around the block, the 
street being one mass of enthusiastic Phiiadelphians, admirers of tha 
renowned chief. 

GEE AT EECEPTION IN NEW YORK. 

Upon Hyer's - return to the metropolis he was received with the 
most joyful demonstrations by the people, while his headquarters^ . 
the Fountain House, in Park row, was brilliantly illuminated, and a 
transparency placed over the front of the house bearing the words: 



7 K/fs/fs/fsyf. y\\ /iOj\ )]\ )|\ /fC /j\ )j\ )i\ /fC /fC ))\ 7 K 






Tom Hyer, 



CHAMPION OF A3IERICA. || 



NJ/ \U \\/ \U \\/ \ \/ \ J / -^1/ \J/ \i/ \'/ \j/ \ l / Nj/ n ! / N j / S^ V 
/f\ /|^ VK /]\ /fs /N 4\ /h A^ 4^ 'i^ /N /N ^1^ 'T^ /N ^\ -i^ 

This remained for a long time ornamenting the Fountain House, 
and there were no more demonstrations from the opposing forces, 
leaving Hyer cock of the walk. Of course the wine glass was being 
filled constantly by his friends, and in his honor, and great was the 
rush and desire to take Hyer by the hand and crack a bottle with hi 
Seiziafif the golden opportunity, Dick Piatt set Hyer up in business a6 
The Branch, No. 40 Bowery, where he remained for some time J 
literally coining money — in fact, all the life was concentrated on th^ 
block between Bayard and Canal streets, vrich Hyer the lion of th^ 
day and night. 

Hyer's success made his company sought for by politicians and 
statesmen as well as the theatrical, circus and sporting element, audi 
being always dignified and high-toned, he was comparatively fref 
Irom street and bar-room quarrels. An effort was made to get iip a 
fight between Hyer and Matt Gooderson, a man of about hisown sizel 
for $10,000 a side, but, as they were both Americans, mutual frienda 
interfered and stopped it. Bill Poole was then a great admirer oJ 
Qooderson's, and was the principal one who tried to bring Hyer int<r 
it, while Isaiah Ryndersused his powerful influence in order that the j 
sbouldn't fight. This little hubbub had one good feature about id 
Tiz., drawing great crowds to their respective saloons — Hyer's onthi 



si 

71 

02 

^ 

at 

t7 



if 

i 




TOM HYER IN RING COSTUME, 



rniii 



22 LIFE OF TOM HYEE. 

Bowery, and Goodereon's on Chatham street. The partisans of th< 
giant's had the sutislaction, however, of teeing them spar together a 
the Old iioweiy Theatre, we beheve, when it was such an even thin^ 
no one cculd boast of the superiority of either man. It is needlesf 
to say thatHyer andOooderson remained fast friends ever afterwards 
So satisfied were Hyer's partisans of his invincibiHty that he was an 
thoiized to send a chaUenge to Bill Perry (the Tipton Slasher), then 
Champiou of England, to fight for $10,000 a side, the battle to takt 
place either in England or Newfoundland, offering to give or tak< 
$5,000 for expenses. Had Perry accepted the $5,000 bait, the battle 
gr^^und was to have been ^t. John, N, F. 

KYERS TKOUBLES WITH MORRISSEY. 

I'he appeaiance of John Morrissey in New York after defeating 
Hyer's friend and trainer George F. Thompson, m California, was 
the sigral for trouble in Hyer*s camp, and he sought every way to 
pick a iight with Hyv^r, but Sir 'i homas kept him at bay by giving 
him and all others to understand that he would fight for nothing lest 
than $10,000 a side. When Sullivan fought Morrissey ^ee **Lif< 
and. Batiks of John Morrifcsey"] Hyer took active sides with his olc 
opponent— if not the cause of the fight itself— and w^ent around in 
person and collected the money to pay Sullivan's fine and effect hit 
release from Lennox Jail. It was on one of these occasions the gal- 
lant Toin put on the gloves with Izzy Lazarus at No. 4 James street, 
at the Faistaff Tavern. 

Morrissey took great umbrage at Hyer's magnanimity for pooi 
Sullivan, andw^as more ugly than ever towards The Chief, being 
now backed up by the then rough element of this city. Meeting on 
the Union Course, L. L, at the running race betw^een May FIy, Emi- 
grant and. Ellen Bateman, June 20. 1854, Morrissey went up to and 
offered to fight.Hyer for fun ; but Tom, being in ill health, declined 
to have anything to do with '*01d Smoke." 

Morrissey, who had been at loggerheads With Hyer for four years, 
owing to, it is said, Hyer retaining some money belonging to him; 
held as a bet, sent word to Hyer that he would like to see him at the 
Belle of the Union, 38 Leonard street, on July 19. As this was Mor- 
rissey's own saloon, Tom refused to go, inviting him in return to 
Dick Piatt's, whither Morrissey went. A war of words ensued, Hyer 
proposing to meet at the Abbey, Bloomingda'e Ptoad and 103d street, 
at 1 o'clock on July 20, and they separated with that understanding. 
Fearing serious trouble, the Captain of the Fifth Ward police arrested 
Morrissey, and kept him locked up till after 1 o'clock, and only then 
let him go when he promised not to use firearms should he and Hyer 
meet before morning. When Hyer heard of Moirissey's an est, he 
sent wcrd to meet him at the same place i^t 5 a. m. that morning. 
Result of this fracas will be found in "Life and Battles of John Mor- 
rissey.'' 

In September, same year, John Linig, a Morrissey man, and Hyer 
had a growl, without any blood being spilled, however. On the 7th 
of January, '55, Harvty Young, Jim Turner and Lew Baker assaulted 
Hyer in Dick Piatt's saloon, under what was then Wallack's Theatre, 
in Broadway, near Broome street. Baker fired one shot at Hyer, 
when Tom rushed in, and, seizing Baker's pistol, disarmed him, but 
refused to retaliate. About seven weeks after this Baker fatally shot 
Bill Poole, for particulars of whicn see "The Life and Battles of 



LIFE OF TOM HTER. 23 

Morrissey." Captain Rynders, the irrepressible political leader, and 
^yer bad a brief misunderstanding in April, '56, nobody feeing hurt. 

TOM HYER vs. DOMINICK BRADLEY. 

In August, 1856, Dominick Bradley of Philadelphia came on to 
New York to try and effect a match with. Harry Gribbin ; failing in 
which, he had the presumption to talk of fighting Hyer. A iriend of 
Tom's, without his knowledge or approyal, bet $100 with a friend of 
Bradley's that Hyer would make a match, and the parties appointed 
Aug. 23, at Bill Hasdng's, 208 Centre street, to settle matters. Of 
course it drew an immense crowd to Dublin Tricks' bar, and brought 
Morrissey again on the scene, he betting $300 with Johnny Austin 
that Hyer wouldn't show up. It was a bad day for Jack Montgomery 
and Austin, for, when Hyer was sent for, he sent word back that he 
wdshed nothing to do with either Bradley or any of his crowd, which 
settled that. 

A couple of years, strange to say, passed without any officious med- 
dling of Hyer's business or person, until a big Scotchman named Jim 
' Stewart had a taste of Hyer's mettle for an insult given him. This 
little scrimmage took place at the Dexter House, in Broome street, 
:kept by £z. White. 

THE HYER AND HEENAN MATCH. 

L It is not generally known that Tom Hyer and John C. Heenan were 
on the point of being matched for $10,000. Heenan had been as- 
saulted in Boston by a party of roughs, instigated, as Heenan be- 
lieved, by a sporting man named McCutcheon, *a particular friend of 
Hyer's, and accused Tom at the Dexter House of havmg had some- 
thing to do with the affair. The Benecia Boy challenged Tom, and 
he accepted, reserving to himself the right to name the sum, which 
lie put at $10,000 a side. Heenan, looking upon this as a bluff, said 
AS much, whereupon Hyer consented to making it half that amount. 
To this Heenan assented, and the following April (1860) was fixed for 
fhe meeting. In the discussion both got excited, Heenan saying he 
could whip Hyer there and then, and they w^ent into the street togeth- 
er; but on reaching the sidewalk, Hyer, believing that the crowd 
intended to double-bank him, drew his Dernnger, threatening to 
shoot the first man who attempted to molest him, which kept the 
opposition at their distance and ended the whole affair. As Hyer 
was not the man as when Jie fought Sullivan, by long odds, and, 
moreover, forty yeai's of age, while Heenan was but twenty five, it is 
not very likely they would ever have come together under any 
circumstances. 

HYEKS LAST VENTURES. 

In ipompany with Sam Weiser as partner, we next meet Hyer in 
the saloon business in the vicinity of Laura Keens's Theatre (now 
the Olympic), but that was of brief duration. During the civil 
war he took a run on to Washington and did a little sutlering in 
Hooker's camp in the Winter of 1862. Here he contracted a severe 
attack of rheumatism from outdoor exposure both night and day, 
and otherwise abusing his constitution. He subsequently tried 
saloon-keeping in Washington, but soon gave it up through failing 
-health. His last venture was in West Fourth street, this city, but he 



24 LIFE OF TOM HYER. 

continued to get worse, and finally got totally unfit for business, and 
gradually became a perfect wreck of his former self. From having one 
associated with Hyer when no finer specimen of physical manhood, 
could be seen anywhere to watching or helping him to cross Broadway, ^ 
leaning on crutches, almost doubled up, as helpless as a child, hagi I 
gard, ill-clad, and never free from pain, it was enough to make one'sjj 
heart ache. A few staunch friends, not overburdened with wealth 
themselves, stood by him in his adversity, so that he never actually 
came to want. He had one benefit at the New Bowery Theatre in *64,1 
which was well attended, and, amongst other attractions, the late| 
Dan Bryant appeared for him, the writer and a few friends occupying 
the same box as Hyer. 

HTEE'S LAST APPEARANCE AND DEATH. 

The last appearance of Hyer in public was at a benefit given to-l 
him at the Stuyv.esant Institute, New York, June 21, 1864, under 
the auspices of John, brother to Bill Poole, upon which occasion, 
with a crutch under his left arm and a stick in his right hand, ho 
was led to the footlights, and introduced by his bosom friend, Al 
Oonrey. Cheer after cheer greeted him, but, beyond acknowledging \ 
the same by a flourish of his cane, he made no remarks. On ] 
Saturday, June 25, Hyer, as usual, had been carriage nding in 
company with a friend, and about the last place he called at was at 
Ned Wilson's, then on the corner of Bleecker and Greene streets, 
from which place he was lifted into the carriage and taken to hig^ 
home, at No. 155 East 35th street, arriving there about half-past'* 
twelve that night. He was somewhat exhausted by the intense 
heat, and, sitting down on the stoop, he called for ice-water, which 
was given him ; soon afterwards he complained of being sick, and 
shortly after 2 o'clock a. m. he went to bed. Two hours and a half 
subsequently he woke up and asked his niece, Mary Harrison, then 
in attendance, for more ice water. He spoke no more after that, 
and died about 6 o'clock A. m. Sunday, June 26, retaining his 
senses to the last. His disease was pronounced to be dropsy of the 
heart. 

THE FUNEEAL. 

On Tuesday, June 28, Hyer's funeral took place from his late red* 
dence, in 35th street. As he lay in his coffin, Hyer looked very 
natural, his face, though a little swollen, having the appearance as if 
he was in a quiet slumber instead of sleeping the sleep of death, 
Hyer's mother and wife were present. The pallbearers were Allen 
Conrey, Tbos. C. Burns, Chas. Lozier, A. Wallace, J. Sturgis, W. 
Mount, Wm. Boche and Jerry Haley. The remains were taken ta 
Gieenwood Cemetery. The attendance was very small, considering 
the once prominent position Hyer held, and as a matter of record we 
give the names of the only parties, except the pallbearers and rela* 
lives of deceased, who followed the remains to the grave, viz., Izzy^ 
Lazarus, his sons Harry and Johnny, Capt. Lynch, Ed, Wilson, 
Harry Holcomb, Robt. Smith and Ed. James. 

Morrissey the enf my of Hyer during lifetime was the first to pro- 
pose relief for Hyer's mother and widow, heading the list with $250, 
but there were not many to follow suit, about $500 in albbeing raised. 
We close Hyer's life by mentioning this incident, now that Morrissey^ 
and Heenan have followed poor Hyer to their last resting-place also* 



ED. JAMES PRICE LIST. 




YACHTS, Etc. 



SIZE, 14x18. PRICE 25 CTS. EACH. 
Sappho, 

Meteor, 

Dauntless, 

Henrietta, 
Vesta, 

' Fleetwing, 

Cambria. 
Yacht Race for the Queen's Cup, 1870. 
Sappho and Livonia Yacht Race Cup of 

1870. 
Little Ship Red, White and Blue. 
Ship Great Republic. 
Steamship Great Eastern. 
The R. E. Lee and Natchea Race. 
Race on the Mississippi. 
Ice Boat Race on the Hudson. 
Boat Race — Rowing, 
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HORSE PICTURES. 



PRICE 20 CENTS 
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Rar us and Cfiea 

Eastern, 
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t^arole, saddle, 
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Dexter, 

lioldsmith Maid. 
Lucy 



American Qirl. 
Butl 



Dexter vs. Butlfr, 



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Stnusjgler, 

Camois, 

Fleety Golddusi 

Nettie, 

Mambrino (Jit\. 

Lula, 

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May Queen, 

Sensation, 

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EACH, OR 6 FOR $1. 

Henry, 

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Dutchman, 

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Hambletonian, 

Flora Temple, 

Occident, 
! Harry Bassett, 
{ Longfellow, 

Mollie McCarthy, • 
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Lucille, 
t Croxie. 
• Sam Purdy, 
I Blackwood, Jr. 

Hopeful, 
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' Rarus,i 
I Bella, 

I Smuggler vs. Fuller- 
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Tom Ochiltree, 

Jay Gould, 
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SIZE, 25x31, COLORED. 
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I@ AMERICAN FISTIANA. 

Containing rounds, etc., of pripcipal 
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PIG RAPE AND DOG CRIB, 

As they appeared in their celebrated fighj 
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MISCELLANEOUS. 

SIZE, 14x18. PRICE 25 CTS. EACH. 



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Family Photographic Tree. 

Tomb and Shade of Napoleon. 

Assassination of Lincoln. 

View of New York City. 

Daniel OTonnell. 

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The Broken Slate (for bar rooma). 

The Heathen Chinee. 



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'^ II O \r T O JL O CJ XJ X It K 

HEALTH, STRENGTH, AND MUSCLE, 

with Cures for various Diseases, Proportions of a perfect Human Figure. Measure 
meats of Noted Athletes, Remarkable Keats of Muscular Stren^nh, Description of 
the Muscular System. Nutrition and Digestion, Food, Air, Exer.ci.se, stimulants, 
etc., etc. Sent prepaid by mall for ftfty cents. 

DUMB-BELL AND CLUB^SWINGER'S MANUAL, 

Containing all the Movements and What Muscles they Develop, with upwards of 
thirty-six illustrative figures and portraits, original and engraved expressly tor this 
work. Sent by mail on receipt of thirty cents. 

Practical Training for Running, Walking. 

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rrJOJEi oo]m:i»x^etei ha.im:>book: 

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;a.ses, Cockers' Tricks Exposed, and all| 

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COMPRISING THE LATEST AND BEST AUTHENTICATED REVISED RULES 

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Teaching how to Bow, Scull, Steer, Slide, Trim, Sit, Feather, etc. Also, 
Record of Important Sculling Matches In hoth Hemispheres, Portraits ot 
Noted Oarsmen, Boating Bules, etc. Price Fifty Cents. 

DAN DONNELLY'S Life and Battles, prpfusely illystrated 25 cents 

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